Hope for the Underworld

48

Hades grew pensive in the few days that passed after his mother's visit. 'I want to marry you!' he announced unexpectedly one day, startling Cora from a delightful daydream.

'I believe that I've already said yes to that.' She smiled, slightly mystified by the intensity of his expression.

'Of course. But I want to marry you right now!' He was looking at her seriously. 'We've never even decided on a date.'

'I was under the impression that we made it binding by just living together.' She looked up at him with curiosity.

'You've been reading about our traditions.' He was impressed. But not at all surprised.

In response, her raised brow seemed to be saying: You gave me a library; what did you expect?

'In the ordinary circumstances that would be the case, yes,' he admitted. 'But not when it's a god's wedding.'

'What prompted this sudden desire?'

'I want you to be my wife when the baby comes.'

'Why?' She sat up and looked at him taxingly, knowing there must be something more behind this sudden decision.

He sighed, knowing he couldn't conceal anything from her. 'I know that you worry about the baby...' he spoke slowly. 'And as my wife and the Queen of the Underworld, you will be allowed... certain divine interventions, if the necessity arises.'

'Interventions?' She took in what he seemed to imply.

'I will be able to ensure that neither of you will suffer!' His eyes were dark and very intense.

'My darling, nothing bad will happen.' She raised her hand and stroked his face; with this one gesture smoothing his worry lines. 'I have a good feeling that everything will resolve itself just fine.'

'Either way, I would like to officially become your husband.'

'As you wish, my Lord!' She laughed. 'How are we going to go about it? Do you want it happening in here?'

'Certainly not!' He grimaced. 'Too many curious gods would want to traipse all over your beautiful gardens. We will marry on Olympus, where all the other immortals can witness it.'

'Have you been thinking about it for a long time?' she asked, suddenly curious what brought this change.

'Since my mother's visit,' he admitted.

'Oh...'

'And I've been thinking we should combine our different traditions,' he announced. 'Some of our ceremonies might feel a little... antiquated to you.'

'Some?' The brow went up again.

'Fine!' He surrendered. 'All of them.'

'But precisely because you are a god, those traditions should be upheld,' she countered. 'At least some of them. I'm sure we could agree on a compromise.'

'Of course,' he agreed eagerly. 'So, what's your plan?'

'As I have no family, do you think your mother would agree for me to prepare in her house?'

'She loves you already! I guarantee, she'll be thrilled... What else?'

'I don't mind meeting other women in the days leading to the ceremony,' she continued, scrunching her nose slightly, 'but I'm not sure many goddesses will be willing to attend.'

'This could be arranged with a selected few.'

'And let us skip the whole giving away my daughter formula. That is most definitely antiquated.' She grimaced. 'And the unveiling!'

'As you wish, my love. All I want is for the gathered gods to witness my vows to you. I want them all to hear my promise to love and cherish you until the end of time!'

'Why does it mean so much to you?' Her eyes locked on his.

'Because I want no one to have any doubts regarding my feelings for you and your status as my wife,' he spoke with an unusual seriousness and a deep conviction. But then he made an effort to lighten the mood. 'So, will you do me the honour and become my Queen?'

'Of course, I will!' She laughed again. 'When?'

'Tomorrow?'

'Wait!... What?... That's not enough time!'

'We don't need anything,' he countered calmly.

'But I need a dress! I hope you don't expect me to appear before all the gods in some old rag!'

It was his time to laugh with amusement. 'Don't say it ever again, lest you risk offending the shadows! They have always provided you with exquisite outfits.'

'That's true,' she agreed easily. 'And they know I was only joking. But it's my wedding and I want to look... beautiful.'

'Darling, you are the most radiant and beautiful woman I have ever seen!' He snatched her in his arms and lifted her effortlessly in the air.

'In your eyes, perhaps,' she corrected. 'But I need to look beautiful to myself.'

'I'm sure the shadows will oblige... So, when then?'

'Don't you have to invite guests?'

'When you name the day, I will announce it to Zeus and the others.' He shrugged indifferently. 'I assure you all will make sure to be there to gawp.'

'Gawp?... Don't you mean to share in your happiness?' She grinned.

'Some, perhaps,' he agreed grudgingly. 'But don't forget they still see me as a curiosity after such a long seclusion. And you, by extension.'

'It truly saddens me to hear that.'

'If you wish, you may socialise with as many as you can bear.' This mischievous grin of his was back. 'But I guarantee, you will tire of their empty souls sooner than you can imagine! I will not oppose if you wanted to befriend a few worthy of your friendship... My sister Demeter could be one of them, if you'd like.'

'Not Hera? She is the goddess of marriage, after all.'

'No. Not her...' He shook his head. 'And I believe that Athena may prove to be equally worthwhile. But it's up to you.'

'I will consider it.' She smiled, touched by his willingness to open his realm to others, just to please her. 'Thank you, my King.'

'So...' He stood in readiness. 'I'm going to Olympus to announce our upcoming nuptials. What day would please you, my Queen?'

'Let's say, I will feel sufficiently prepared in a week's time.' She also rose and faced him. 'Would this please YOU?'

'Immensely!'